Donald Trump prompts Nazi references
After Donald Trump in recent weeks suggested stepping up security measures to put further scrutiny on Muslim Americans, such as surveilling mosques, liberals and conservatives alike called his ideas fascist.
But in case those critiques didn't get the point across, some politicians and pundits are now making a more direct connection between Trump's views and Nazism.
For instance, New Day for America, the super PAC supporting the candidacy of Ohio's GOP Gov. John Kasich, released a web video this week featuring retired Air Force Col. Tom Moe, a former Vietnam POW. Moe is shown speaking at an event in Ohio, where he warns about the potential danger Trump's candidacy poses by paraphrasing the famous anti-Nazi remarks delivered by pastor Martin Niemöller.
"You might not care if Donald Trump says Muslims should register with their government, because you're not one," Moe is shown saying over ominous music. "And you might not care if Donald Trump says he's going to round up all the Hispanic immigrants, because you're not one. And you might not care if Donald Trump says it's okay to rough up black protesters, because you're not one. And you might not care if Donald Trump wants to suppress journalists, because you're not one. But think about this: If he keeps going, and he actually becomes president, he might just get around to you. And you better hope there's someone left to help you."
The brutal video was released a day after New Day For America released an anti-Trump ad in New Hampshire. The super PAC is planning to spend $2.5 million to attack Trump.
Meanwhile, New York Times op-ed writer Timothy Egan on Friday published an column slamming Trump's proposed "police state" that would target Muslims, as well as other groups like Hispanics. Trump's proposal to deport the nation's 11 million undocumented immigrants "would prompt a million Hispanic Anne Franks -- people hiding in the attics and basements of Donald Trump's America," Egan wrote. He also bashed Trump supporters, charging that Trump's rallies are "scary spectacles of rabid brown shirts in Dockers."
Political commentator Roger Simon wrote in a column this week, "Do not say you were not warned. Der Donald has warned you. Security is going to rule in America. And unthinkable things will be done." Simon also referenced Martin Niemöller's warning.
Last week, Jeb Bush adviser John Noonan said on Twitter that tracking Muslims -- an idea that Trump didn't propose himself, but hasn't ruled out -- equates to fascism.
Forced federal registration of US citizens, based on religious identity, is fasicm. Period. Nothing else to call it. https://t.co/XYee8dEgJr
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) November 20, 2015
Conservative radio host Steve Deace and conservative Max Boot, and adviser for Marco Rubio, had similar criticisms:
If Obama proposed the same religion registry as Trump every conservative in the country would call it what it is -- creeping fascism.
— Steve Deace (@SteveDeaceShow) November 20, 2015
Trump is a fascist. And that's not a term I use loosely or often. But he's earned it. https://t.co/KSfADd5Ycq
— Max Boot (@MaxBoot) November 22, 2015